What is the purpose of a talking circle?

The TRADITIONAL “TALKING—CIRCLE” is a very old way of bringing NATIVE PEOPLE of all ages together in a quiet, respectful manner for the purposes of TEACHING, LISTENING, LEARNING, SHARING.

What do circles mean in Native American culture?

The circle is symbolic of equality, where no person is more prominent than any other person. Circle meetings ensured that all people were allowed to speak and the words spoken were accepted and respected on an equal basis. A circle around other Native American symbols signifies family ties, closeness & protection.

What are the rules of a talking circle?

In a Talking Circle, each one is equal and each one belongs.
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For example:
  • Everyone’s contribution is equally important.
  • State what you feel or believe starting with ‘I-statements,’ e.g., ‘I feel …’
  • All comments are addressed directly to the question or the issue, not to comments another person has made.

How do you facilitate a talking circle?

Several varied objects are used by different First Nations peoples to facilitate the talking circle. Some peoples use a talking stick, others a talking feather, while still others use a peace pipe, a sacred shell, a wampum belt, or other selected object.

What is the spiritual meaning of a circle?

The circle is a universal symbol with extensive meaning. It represents the notions of totality, wholeness, original perfection, the Self, the infinite, eternity, timelessness, all cyclic movement, God (‘God is a circle whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere’ (Hermes Trismegistus)).